PhD, Psychology Neuroscience

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

2016 - 2011

• Dissertation: Coordinated neuromorphology in the development of social information processing⁵
• Advanced Training Institute on Exploratory Data Mining in Behavioral Research

MA, Social Sciences (Psychology)

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL

2009 - 2008

• Thesis: Predictors of Suicidality: Experiences of weight-related stigma in candidates for bariatric surgery⁶

BA, Psychology

Jacobs University Bremen

Bremen, Germany

2005 - 2002

Head of Analytics

Orchestrall, Inc.

Conshohocken, PA

present - 2020

• Lead healthcare data science consulting projects to derive insights from clinical data and multidisciplinary teams
• Develop and test predictive models for operational implementation
• Select optimal tools for statistical modeling, including decision trees, logistic regression, conditional inference forests, multiple imputation

Head of Algorithm Development

Orchestrall, Inc.

Conshohocken, PA

2019 - 2015

• Develop algorithms to power intelligent healthcare applications for the senior care market, including outcome prediction, anomaly detection, and logistics optimization
• Conduct end-to-end analyses including study design, data identification/collection, ETL, analysis, and communication of findings
• Implement analytical models into production through collaborations with the software development team
• Build and prototype analysis pipelines iteratively to provide insights at scale

Graduate Research Assistant

Neurocognition Lab

Temple University

2016 - 2013

• Introduced and applied machine learning techniques (e.g. support vector machines, multivoxel pattern analysis, graph theory, network analysis) and high performance computing tools to advance neuroimaging research
• Assessed new data sources for value creation, attracting new research opportunities through a large, multi-site research network
• Evaluated and communicated technical advantages and tradeoffs between statistical models
• Solved difficult, non-routine analysis problems using large, complex data sets
• Provided guidance with data analysis and coding to research assistants

Graduate Clinical Research Assistant

Mechanisms of Affect Dysregulation Lab

Temple University

2013 - 2011

• Supported and executed a wide range of clinical psychology studies including survey research, clinical treatment trials, neuroimaging studies, and secondary data research
• Designed and conducted a neuroimaging research study assessing affective risk factors in clinical populations
• Collaborated with the research coordinator, graduate and undergraduate students, as well as researchers from other sites to deliver high-quality peer-reviewed publications and academic conference presentations

Lead Clinical Research Coordinator

Adult Eating and Weight Disorders Clinic

The University of Chicago

2011 - 2009

• Planned and conducted statistical analyses of cross-sectional, time series, epidemiological, health outcomes and clinical data
• Optimized clinical participant recruitment and retention through data analytics
• Coordinated recruitment, screening, intake, assessment, treatment and follow-up stages several research projects, including a large NIMH-funded clinical trial and pilot studies using psychophysiological data (fMRI, RSA)
• Contributed to manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed publications and gave conference presentations

Graduate Teaching Assistant and Lab Instructor

Statistics

Temple University

2014

• Taught weekly introductory statistics lab sections (75 undergraduate students) with positive student feedback
• Provided one-on-one tutoring and exam preparation on an as-needed basis
• Administered and corrected exams and liaised between students and the course instructor

Partner Organization Liaison

PAWS Animal Returns & Clinic No-Shows

R-Ladies Philadelphia

present - 2020

• Work with the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society’s Director of Operations to understand their needs and translate them into relevant analytics projects
• Collaborate with project leader and team members and provide input on analyses and interpretations
• Conduct ad-hoc analyes and data exploration

Project Leader

PAWS Data Pipeline with Code for Philly

Code for Philly

present - 2019

• Lead a team to create a 360-degree view of PAWS’ constituents⁷ to help development and operations
• Work closely with project management team, peer data scientists, engineers, developers and Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society representatives to build a data lake
• Oversee team efforts in data processing, cleansing, and verifying data integrity

Organizer

Opioid Epidemic Data Science Collaboration

R-Ladies Philadelphia, Code for Philly

2020

• Collaborated with organizing team to develop vision, strategy and infrastructure for hackathon, and ensure successful event planning
• Identify relevant data sources and preprocess data provided by partner organizations
• Oversee teams and ensure that they are on track for the project deadlines

Datathon Project Leader

2018 Volunteer Engagement and 2019 Animal Adoptions

R-Ladies Philadelphia

2019 - 2018

• Consulted with Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society representatives to articulate business questions and translate them into viable analytics projects for volunteer data scientists
• Designed hackathon and managed the end-to-end process, from initial discussions with PAWS, recruitment of volunteers, ongoing monitoring and coordination of work, and final report editing and completion
• Ensured that statistically-derived insights were translated into clear and actionable business recommendations

The interactive effects of peers and alcohol on functional brain connectivity in young adults⁸

NeuroImage

N/A

2019

At risk of being risky: The relationship between “brain age” under emotional states and risk preference⁹

Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

N/A

2017

Amygdala hyperactivation to angry faces in intermittent explosive disorder¹⁰

Journal of Psychiatric Research

N/A

2016

Emotion regulation deficits in intermittent explosive disorder¹¹

Aggressive Behavior

N/A

2014

Loneliness mediates the relationship between emotion dysregulation and bulimia nervosa/binge eating disorder psychopathology in a clinical sample¹²

Eating and Weight Disorders

N/A

2013

Coping With Obesity Stigma Affects Depressed Mood in African-American and White Candidates for Bariatric Surgery¹³

Obesity

N/A

2012

Correlates of Suicidal Ideation and/or Behavior in Bariatric-Surgery-Seeking Individuals With Severe Obesity¹⁴

Crisis

N/A

2012

Factors Associated with Suicide Ideation in Severely Obese Bariatric Surgery-Seeking Individuals¹⁵

Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior

N/A

2012

Organizer

R-Ladies Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

present - 2018

• Work to increase gender diversity in the data science community in Philadelphia
• Create learning, networking and leadership opportunities for over 1000 members via monthly meetups focused on R and collaborations with other data groups in the city

Volunteer, Mentor

Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

Philadelphia, PA

present - 2016

• Help with dog care and train new volunteers on all aspects of dog care volunteer shifts